WATCH: Thousands join rallies for marriage equality in Northern Ireland

By Adam Evans

Thousands of people have joined a rally in Belfast calling for marriage equality in Northern Ireland.

We're the only part of the UK and Ireland - where same-sex marriage isn't recognised.

A rally was also held in Derry Londonderry.

John O'Doherty who leads the 'Love Equality' campaign told crowds outside Belfast City Hall that "over 75% of people across Northern Ireland now support the introduction of equal marriage and we will not be silenced". 

He was citing a recent survey from Sky News.

Message from @Love_EqualityNI #MarchForMarriageEquality to politicians loud & clear "they will not be silenced" pic.twitter.com/glUSS0ffy1

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 2, 2018

Human rights groups also turned up to lend their voice to the campaign for Westminster to legislate here.

Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International had this message for Prime Minister, Theresa May.

.@Love_EqualityNI equal marriage march about to get underway in Belfast. @PatrickCorrigan has a message for @theresa_may ... pic.twitter.com/z6Gdv18VB1

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 2, 2018

Celebrities from Northern Ireland have shown their support for the marriage equality campaign.

Actress, Bronagh Waugh was among them.

Star support for @Love_EqualityNI #March4MarriageEquality in Belfast and leading lady @bronaghwaugh hopes it’s 3rd time lucky...”we will not be treated as 2nd class citizens anymore!” pic.twitter.com/1lhjSut8XQ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 2, 2018

The DUP issued a statement on Saturday evening after being criticised by some of those taking part in today's rallies.

It read: "A significant number of people in Northern Ireland do not support the redefinition of marriage. Debates on the matter should be respectful and should be a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly".